tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46090122417119412902017-09-03T04:55:42.412-07:00Mega Geeks Inc.Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.comBlogger294125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609012241711941290.post-28997624993544843662013-04-17T05:10:00.000-07:002013-04-17T05:10:00.329-07:00Stuff I've Made<div style="text-align: center;">Okay I know I've been a terrible blogger lately, but I thought I'd share with you some of the stuff I've been working on.</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TwlusDJ0F8c/UW3kVOGVTNI/AAAAAAAAJK0/GahvvTr6kxc/s1600/shift.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TwlusDJ0F8c/UW3kVOGVTNI/AAAAAAAAJK0/GahvvTr6kxc/s640/shift.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I made this with some fabric I bought while I was in L.A. it was 99 cents a yard and oh so pretty, though not the best quality, but hey 99 cents a YARD!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w5-1xpYBdi4/UW3kaV_PE6I/AAAAAAAAJLc/Mx-dKQk1KDc/s1600/easterdress.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w5-1xpYBdi4/UW3kaV_PE6I/AAAAAAAAJLc/Mx-dKQk1KDc/s640/easterdress.jpg" width="329" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;This years Easter dress with embroudered lace, applique tulips and a peter pan collar. Super cute.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kuMqXKloE5E/UW3kbLrZxuI/AAAAAAAAJLk/arGPmPoi47o/s1600/blue+dress.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kuMqXKloE5E/UW3kbLrZxuI/AAAAAAAAJLk/arGPmPoi47o/s640/blue+dress.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">50's style dress for the antique expo.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHZRpKlDuJI/UW3kV_g4tfI/AAAAAAAAJK8/xkMJjz-Z9ck/s1600/sewingkitty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHZRpKlDuJI/UW3kV_g4tfI/AAAAAAAAJK8/xkMJjz-Z9ck/s320/sewingkitty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Gawain was helping me sew.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TwlusDJ0F8c/UW3kVOGVTNI/AAAAAAAAJK0/GahvvTr6kxc/s1600/shift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHS_nkIcb0A/UW3kYFj-AnI/AAAAAAAAJLQ/luo8CyHzBnM/s1600/jumper.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHS_nkIcb0A/UW3kYFj-AnI/AAAAAAAAJLQ/luo8CyHzBnM/s640/jumper.jpg" width="288" /></a> <br />Jumper, there are some issues with top, but it's still cute.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5x7AFYHQFmE/UW3kaNQTtBI/AAAAAAAAJLY/EIyRL1hkwKw/s1600/dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5x7AFYHQFmE/UW3kaNQTtBI/AAAAAAAAJLY/EIyRL1hkwKw/s640/dress.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Patchwork dress made from leftover pieces of other dresses.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3cE8yFwiS44/UW3kXMxiksI/AAAAAAAAJLI/8glHtbwfwUo/s1600/mushroomcloak.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3cE8yFwiS44/UW3kXMxiksI/AAAAAAAAJLI/8glHtbwfwUo/s640/mushroomcloak.jpg" width="276" /></a><br />Cute cloak with patches. I picked the fabric up at the Goodwill, it was really soft and old and there were a few weak spots. That's why the patches look so random.</div>Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609012241711941290.post-76204651998883966112013-03-14T04:45:00.000-07:002013-03-14T04:45:00.303-07:00My Library, In Your Pants<div style="text-align: center;">So, "In Your Pants" jokes are not new, but I've recently become rather fond of them, in particular using them as the end of book titles ala John Green and Maureen Johnson of <a href="http://nerdfighteria.info/">Nerdfighteria</a> fame. I've started looking through the books I own to figure out which ones would have the funniest titles, and I think I've compiled a pretty good list.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_LedmVDH8A8/UUDwa8RMeUI/AAAAAAAAJKA/59a60EnP0Fk/s1600/monstrous-regiment-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_LedmVDH8A8/UUDwa8RMeUI/AAAAAAAAJKA/59a60EnP0Fk/s400/monstrous-regiment-1.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;In Your Pants</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wap-y11Mxzk/UUDwb1quM3I/AAAAAAAAJKI/nKXC1dvJ_j4/s1600/6a0120a61b8905970b0120a941ced9970b-320pi.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wap-y11Mxzk/UUDwb1quM3I/AAAAAAAAJKI/nKXC1dvJ_j4/s1600/6a0120a61b8905970b0120a941ced9970b-320pi.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In Your Pants</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Actually this whole series is excellent as an In Your Pants joke.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Searching for Dragons... In Your Pants </div><div style="text-align: center;">Calling on Dragons... In Your Pants</div><div style="text-align: center;">Talking to Dragons... In Your Pants</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ0h4f1PQCE/UUDxiwmkmjI/AAAAAAAAJKQ/3D_OvisDBxw/s1600/The+Restaurant+at+the+End+of+The+Universe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ0h4f1PQCE/UUDxiwmkmjI/AAAAAAAAJKQ/3D_OvisDBxw/s400/The+Restaurant+at+the+End+of+The+Universe.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In Your Pants</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MD188RKVlVM/UUDyP5wwOTI/AAAAAAAAJKY/sjNb7d_X104/s1600/160260.main.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MD188RKVlVM/UUDyP5wwOTI/AAAAAAAAJKY/sjNb7d_X104/s400/160260.main.jpg" width="280" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">In Your Pants</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZZSWEkzkxE/UUDyd-eFktI/AAAAAAAAJKg/SNDt3NASu2g/s1600/257991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZZSWEkzkxE/UUDyd-eFktI/AAAAAAAAJKg/SNDt3NASu2g/s400/257991.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In Your Pants</div><br />Now I can have a chuckle whenever I look at my book shelves. Tell me dear reader, do you have any books where the In Your Pants jokes are particularly ticklish to your funny bone? Please let me know.Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609012241711941290.post-61854065780878222592013-02-22T04:59:00.000-08:002013-02-22T04:59:00.534-08:00Fairytale Dress<div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m6dZ7gXrPTo/USGnv70GdQI/AAAAAAAAJIs/9TuDVNwlhv0/s1600/phone.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m6dZ7gXrPTo/USGnv70GdQI/AAAAAAAAJIs/9TuDVNwlhv0/s640/phone.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Teaser from a photoshoot I did in the dress.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GRIwejlXVgA/USGnwVHbTVI/AAAAAAAAJI0/yEkqA9oJueI/s1600/fabricfairytale.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GRIwejlXVgA/USGnwVHbTVI/AAAAAAAAJI0/yEkqA9oJueI/s400/fabricfairytale.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">For Christmas my lovely friend Maura sent me some fabulous japanese fabric with a super cute boarder print. But she only sent me 1 yard, and the boarder was different on either side. But I did some creative cutting, and I think it worked out well. I designed the dress to be comfortable and warm, I used jersey cotton for the top, not something typical of lolita outside of cutsews and hoodies, but hey I'm a rebel.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cX-yUx0K3Bo/USGnt1b4F3I/AAAAAAAAJIk/DvJ1Y0xYTHA/s1600/rgwss.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cX-yUx0K3Bo/USGnt1b4F3I/AAAAAAAAJIk/DvJ1Y0xYTHA/s640/rgwss.jpg" width="378" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Before I finished with the sleeves. I still plan on adding some lace to the bottom, but I haven't found any I liked yet.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the top picture I'm wearing vintage gloves and beret. The green butterfly necklace is Tarina Tarantino. The bottom picture are my new rubber boots from <a href="http://www.melshoes.com/">mel</a>. They've been super useful this winter, and cute, let's not forget cute.</div>Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609012241711941290.post-84900252466856031942013-02-18T04:54:00.000-08:002013-02-18T04:54:00.017-08:00Fun Jewelry<div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kranDn4WjPM/USGkjaNaEoI/AAAAAAAAJHE/dc03vuXvqhM/s1600/funjewlery.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kranDn4WjPM/USGkjaNaEoI/AAAAAAAAJHE/dc03vuXvqhM/s400/funjewlery.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My mom has always though I was a little weird because often instead of buying art or jewelry I'd rather buy a book with pictures of art or jewelry.For example, when we went to the Melrose Tarina Tarantino store all I wanted was the <a href="http://www.tarinatarantino.com/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=8943&amp;idcategory=26">"My Pretty"</a> book, which they did not sell there. Lame...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-frtedRynQhA/USGkkBimpfI/AAAAAAAAJHM/gL2N6q-0cUc/s1600/flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-frtedRynQhA/USGkkBimpfI/AAAAAAAAJHM/gL2N6q-0cUc/s320/flowers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway, that's just me, and that's why I was excited to find this fine and vintage jewelry picture book. The copyright is 1991 but it's in very good conditions with plenty of sparkly inspiration.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8H5R6pRNTjA/USGkgz0XL-I/AAAAAAAAJG8/jAF55tCyBf0/s1600/jellybellies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8H5R6pRNTjA/USGkgz0XL-I/AAAAAAAAJG8/jAF55tCyBf0/s400/jellybellies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">On the left are jelly bellies, I'm particularly fond of the deer but it's priced somewhere between 100$ and 400$. I'll never have it, but I can dream.</div>Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609012241711941290.post-70838676154498745672013-02-04T04:02:00.000-08:002013-02-04T04:02:00.407-08:00Tea Cups<div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--krpB0hfdJA/UQtaPqcz7wI/AAAAAAAAJFc/OH3kTfs5AyE/s1600/a7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--krpB0hfdJA/UQtaPqcz7wI/AAAAAAAAJFc/OH3kTfs5AyE/s640/a7.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I bought myself a gorgeous tea cup over the holidays, I was super excited about it, it's seafoam with pink roses and gold accents, the inside is pearly lusterware. I love it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In mid January a photographer contacted me about doing some stock photos of women drinking, and I of course thought about my new tea cup. Now I don't have a huge amount of time right now, I've just become the Director of The Kids Cooking Corner, which was where these photos were taken. Bob was really great and shot me in a two hour window I had open during the day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Oammzwpmto/UQtaPwfeAwI/AAAAAAAAJFg/xRYUF6CUq1I/s1600/a2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Oammzwpmto/UQtaPwfeAwI/AAAAAAAAJFg/xRYUF6CUq1I/s400/a2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CmcjWxg-wg0/UQtaObkWJNI/AAAAAAAAJFM/ToQqnj92tz8/s1600/a5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CmcjWxg-wg0/UQtaObkWJNI/AAAAAAAAJFM/ToQqnj92tz8/s400/a5.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xKvR_fbnrGE/UQtaOErr4vI/AAAAAAAAJFA/4j2Hjo63ppY/s1600/a3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xKvR_fbnrGE/UQtaOErr4vI/AAAAAAAAJFA/4j2Hjo63ppY/s400/a3.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photographer: <a href="http://www.modelmayhem.com/2462096">Robert Brown Stock</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Model/MUA: Me</div>Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609012241711941290.post-43588841131943278692013-02-01T04:45:00.000-08:002013-02-01T04:45:00.081-08:00Chocolate Fest 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xFuzJ7kZvu8/UQtX7nngHrI/AAAAAAAAJDc/jzNKq1UxUGk/s1600/314862_10151661147158906_1665995604_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xFuzJ7kZvu8/UQtX7nngHrI/AAAAAAAAJDc/jzNKq1UxUGk/s640/314862_10151661147158906_1665995604_n.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This year Brenna and I decided not to got lolita, but in twinsies since I had made two dresses out of the same material. She wore the short one, and I wore the long one.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zo1Z7Mo9bZM/UQtX9M_vd4I/AAAAAAAAJDw/7kTUXd4S7wo/s1600/734469_10151661147103906_2144843508_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zo1Z7Mo9bZM/UQtX9M_vd4I/AAAAAAAAJDw/7kTUXd4S7wo/s400/734469_10151661147103906_2144843508_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We were trying to glare at each other but we kept dissolving into giggles.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nn-R7mG_OSk/UQtX4CFfjNI/AAAAAAAAJDQ/Lejdlwgg7PE/s1600/SDC17175.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nn-R7mG_OSk/UQtX4CFfjNI/AAAAAAAAJDQ/Lejdlwgg7PE/s400/SDC17175.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">JaCivas was giving out ganache samples out of giant chocolate cupcakes!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6G3yl0YCh2s/UQtX4Gxm7PI/AAAAAAAAJDM/YPRbaXod4QA/s1600/SDC17173.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6G3yl0YCh2s/UQtX4Gxm7PI/AAAAAAAAJDM/YPRbaXod4QA/s400/SDC17173.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sparkle chocolate!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1qoY2Kk80A/UQtX9NCXY9I/AAAAAAAAJDs/VbGhaQ7c0jk/s1600/644364_10151661158608906_763077732_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1qoY2Kk80A/UQtX9NCXY9I/AAAAAAAAJDs/VbGhaQ7c0jk/s400/644364_10151661158608906_763077732_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">After the festival we went out to lunch, and afterward walked down to Old Glory vintage. Awesome!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609012241711941290.post-8683539712731196192013-01-14T04:00:00.000-08:002013-01-14T04:00:12.740-08:00Sewing a Zipper<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QazuQJ2Bnjc/UPIWp1tRixI/AAAAAAAAJAs/dkdCFc45vqA/s1600/SDC17119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>First off this is just a basic tutorial, I didn't use an invisible zipper, and the dress is not fully lined, but a lot of the steps still say the same. Of course you want to make sure you've got a zipper foot (or an invisible zipper foot if you're sewing an invisible zipper and you actually want it to be invisible). Open and close your zipper a few times to make sure there's no issues with that, nothing worse then sewing a zipper all the way in and finding out there's something wrong with it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n3x2Cb0qaJM/UPIWvm4Q8WI/AAAAAAAAJBc/naOkgXqdb50/s1600/SDC17117.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n3x2Cb0qaJM/UPIWvm4Q8WI/AAAAAAAAJBc/naOkgXqdb50/s400/SDC17117.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n3x2Cb0qaJM/UPIWvm4Q8WI/AAAAAAAAJBc/naOkgXqdb50/s1600/SDC17117.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Open you zipper, fold the top flap down and pin about 2/8 of an inch down (you can pin it further down, just make sure it's the same on both sides, do not pin it all the way at the top), to the right side of the fabric zipper teeth facing inward.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n3x2Cb0qaJM/UPIWvm4Q8WI/AAAAAAAAJBc/naOkgXqdb50/s1600/SDC17117.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QazuQJ2Bnjc/UPIWp1tRixI/AAAAAAAAJAs/dkdCFc45vqA/s1600/SDC17119.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QazuQJ2Bnjc/UPIWp1tRixI/AAAAAAAAJAs/dkdCFc45vqA/s400/SDC17119.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sew as far down as you want it to go, and then curve outward.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n3x2Cb0qaJM/UPIWvm4Q8WI/AAAAAAAAJBc/naOkgXqdb50/s1600/SDC17117.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rMtHPo6rQ5I/UPIWrHsz_jI/AAAAAAAAJA4/_cjlTdGsYaA/s1600/SDC17121.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rMtHPo6rQ5I/UPIWrHsz_jI/AAAAAAAAJA4/_cjlTdGsYaA/s400/SDC17121.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Essentially you can do this part at any time. I didn't put in full lining, but I put a little in the collar and you can use this same technique for regular lining. You fold back the lining over the right side of the of the fabric and sew down from there.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L0Sab0b4ibU/UPIWuLpwjeI/AAAAAAAAJBQ/qCKslSOk55A/s1600/SDC17122.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L0Sab0b4ibU/UPIWuLpwjeI/AAAAAAAAJBQ/qCKslSOk55A/s400/SDC17122.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">When you're done the top of the zipper should look something like this.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z3Sof2EE1-c/UPIWqlT8M6I/AAAAAAAAJA0/1qqLQqhC49U/s1600/SDC17120.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z3Sof2EE1-c/UPIWqlT8M6I/AAAAAAAAJA0/1qqLQqhC49U/s400/SDC17120.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Okay, so now you want to do the other side, you of course want both sides to match up, so before you start sewing, close your zipper, lay your fabric out and mark on the zipper where you want&nbsp; the opposite side to line up. Then open it back up and sew it as usual.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-picasa-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-c6EL_IZrkOw/UPIWtInPMfI/AAAAAAAAJB4/tHg2jiFWU2I/s1600/SDC17123.AVI" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3D40ed20ff521e42a6%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1360634805%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3D6006182FB8E7B5EEA1030E06D70F6FED0620D164.3FCAFDCF1984D1998EFC01557969B4868166D8B2%26key%3Dlh1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fredirector.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3D40ed20ff521e42a6%26itag%3D18%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1360634805%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Csource%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3D6006182FB8E7B5EEA1030E06D70F6FED0620D164.3FCAFDCF1984D1998EFC01557969B4868166D8B2%26key%3Dlh1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;">Made a video for this next step, it's the last step for putting <b>IN</b> the zipper and it keeps it from popping out when you're done.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KKBuQspY8ls/UPIWuF5OM4I/AAAAAAAAJBM/RzpQ6RHSBPo/s1600/SDC17124.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KKBuQspY8ls/UPIWuF5OM4I/AAAAAAAAJBM/RzpQ6RHSBPo/s400/SDC17124.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">You see that curved stitch is where I sewed the zipper in half. DO NOT SEW OVER THE TEETH! And the straight stitch next to it is how you keep the ugly bottom of the zipper from showing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n3x2Cb0qaJM/UPIWvm4Q8WI/AAAAAAAAJBc/naOkgXqdb50/s1600/SDC17117.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-krnCcvEFdyw/UPIWw8rj1QI/AAAAAAAAJBk/dvmDOphqMnM/s1600/SDC17125.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-krnCcvEFdyw/UPIWw8rj1QI/AAAAAAAAJBk/dvmDOphqMnM/s400/SDC17125.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Should have ironed it before I snapped this picture, but you get the idea right? Hope this helps those of you out there who are maybe a little zipper-phobic.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Last Tip: Let's say you bought a zipper that was longer then you needed and you want to cut part of it off. Do not cut straight across, zippers have that zigzag cut to them because that keeps them from unraveling. So if you've got a pair of scissors that do that use them, if not do your best to cut zigzag.</div>Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609012241711941290.post-526980525089065682013-01-07T04:30:00.000-08:002013-01-07T04:30:02.891-08:00New Clothing<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KkAB6GWZZCw/UOj-WtTxeEI/AAAAAAAAI-c/_rGytBnhLP4/s1600/coats+n+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>I picked up and was gifted lots of new clothes, which is pretty much the definition of going to LA for me. I thought I'd share with you some of my favorites.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XvGlMmsFOEc/UOj-XbLG8eI/AAAAAAAAI-o/VEUU9r9DteM/s1600/nkv.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XvGlMmsFOEc/UOj-XbLG8eI/AAAAAAAAI-o/VEUU9r9DteM/s400/nkv.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I bought several blouses, the beige blouse on the left caught my eye because of the super cute collar and little bow pocket. The leggings have owls on them and the shoes are another pair of&nbsp;<a href="http://bambooshoesbrand.com/"> Bamboo Brand</a>, I think they'll be wonderful in the summer. The dress was a gift from my mom.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KkAB6GWZZCw/UOj-WtTxeEI/AAAAAAAAI-c/_rGytBnhLP4/s1600/coats+n+dress.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="373" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KkAB6GWZZCw/UOj-WtTxeEI/AAAAAAAAI-c/_rGytBnhLP4/s400/coats+n+dress.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KkAB6GWZZCw/UOj-WtTxeEI/AAAAAAAAI-c/_rGytBnhLP4/s1600/coats+n+dress.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. My new giant sweater from <a href="http://www.englishlaundry.com/">English Laundry</a> I picked it up at a sample sale. It's on sale at the website for 70$, I got it for 25$.</div><div style="text-align: center;">2. My grandparents gave me a <a href="http://www.betseyjohnson.com/?mkwid=s7REkXFJm&amp;pcrid=29628166917&amp;gclid=CNOQtLH20rQCFYN_QgodJzQA5Q">Betsey Johnson</a> winter jacket. It's so awesome, they don't have it on the website anymore but Forever21 sells a pretty close <a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&amp;Category=outerwear_coats-and-jackets&amp;ProductID=2027705512&amp;VariantID=">copy</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">3. MurMur brand dress, super comfy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wy9TxaL19b0/UOj-W7s47_I/AAAAAAAAI-k/1jqk9ZbXlwI/s1600/accessories.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wy9TxaL19b0/UOj-W7s47_I/AAAAAAAAI-k/1jqk9ZbXlwI/s400/accessories.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. Glinda necklace earring set from <a href="http://www.tarinatarantino.com/">Tarina Tarantino</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">2. I bought a bunch of owl pendants for a dollar each, and I already had a bunch at home so I but them all on one chain.</div><div style="text-align: center;">3. Close up of my owl leggings.</div><div style="text-align: center;">4. Pastel Rainbow Bubble necklace.</div>Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609012241711941290.post-88969555925828447132013-01-02T04:39:00.000-08:002013-01-02T04:39:00.484-08:00Kids Cooking Corner<div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKRI_3WB7XE/UOPAA-0OxMI/AAAAAAAAI9M/bsp6PS7fr1o/s1600/main.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKRI_3WB7XE/UOPAA-0OxMI/AAAAAAAAI9M/bsp6PS7fr1o/s400/main.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;The dining room, once the kids have made dinner they set the table and we eat it. It's cute right?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Last summer I started volunteering for a local non-profit called<a href="http://thekidscookingcorner.com/"> The Kids Cooking Corner</a>, I teach cooking courses once a week to kids who can be ages 3 and up, and occasionally volunteer over there for random reasons when I have the time. Like the weeks before Christmas when I found myself over there for 3 days in a row almost 24 hours preparing for a huge bake sale.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-af0hahRsadw/UOPAC0JhCII/AAAAAAAAI9U/zhumZwJk9Qc/s1600/SDC17023.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-af0hahRsadw/UOPAC0JhCII/AAAAAAAAI9U/zhumZwJk9Qc/s400/SDC17023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<span style="font-size: x-small;">Part of the KCC kitchen, there are 3 ovens and sometimes that's still not enough.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've always liked volunteering, I think that's why I was originally drawn to a job at the Red Cross, (and why I stayed there way past my expiration date) there's something about helping others that for me, negates a lot of the drawbacks (like low pay, no benefits, and helicopter parents). When I got my new job I knew I needed this outlet again so I looked into a lot of volunteer options and KCC was the only place to contact me back. Too bad for those other suckers too because I am a dynamite volunteer.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MPKXwEC_ISk/UOO__A65vQI/AAAAAAAAI9E/SalkX5KROtQ/s1600/heidi.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MPKXwEC_ISk/UOO__A65vQI/AAAAAAAAI9E/SalkX5KROtQ/s400/heidi.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the proprietor of the KCC Heidi, she is one tough, dedicated woman. I'm always super impressed by people with drive because I seem to have been born without any. She's always on top of things going on at the school (and is often 5 steps ahead) and is constantly rearranging and redecorating for the season, teaching classes, talking to sponsors... she's just always very busy. On top of all that she got some major health issues and 3 kids and a husband at home. She's a firm believer in the old adage that there are 24 usable hours in every day. I'm a firm believer in the much younger adage that there are 24 unstable hours in every day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKbHQmuqCDY/UOO_7qIlKOI/AAAAAAAAI80/I0tBv_afZwY/s1600/fam.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKbHQmuqCDY/UOO_7qIlKOI/AAAAAAAAI80/I0tBv_afZwY/s400/fam.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sitting in the middle is Carly, if Heidi is the president then Carly is the Vice President. To the left is Carlys sister Melanie(?) and on the right her daughter Olivia who is AWESOME! She's very sassy and likes copying me when I say stuff in a weird accent. This day we were all putting 60+ gingerbread houses together for the winter Gingerbread Camps where kids would later decorate them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ht-q3PamWAA/UOO_9f3_cKI/AAAAAAAAI88/P6V3Ugv5qSE/s1600/gingy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ht-q3PamWAA/UOO_9f3_cKI/AAAAAAAAI88/P6V3Ugv5qSE/s400/gingy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I happened to be volunteering on the last day of the Gingerbread Camps when 2 people didn't show up to claim theirs so Heidi and I decorated them. The peppermint house is mine and the gumdrop one is Heidis. It was kind of the coolest volunteering perk ever! I think the last time I made a gingerbread house I was 19 and it was for Halloween.</div>Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609012241711941290.post-33842600772340677142012-12-27T04:43:00.000-08:002012-12-27T04:43:00.457-08:00Winter in LA 2012<div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_5yfctFsx5U/UNvFkwkwC2I/AAAAAAAAI7g/Whuf6j0VmY0/s1600/momnme.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="343" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_5yfctFsx5U/UNvFkwkwC2I/AAAAAAAAI7g/Whuf6j0VmY0/s400/momnme.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sorry for the radio silence for the last few weeks but for a short period of time I escaped the Pacific NW weather to LA where I was promptly deposited into a windstorm, but for the rest of the trip the weather stayed relatively decent.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8zWgBaQY3o/UNvFm-ar96I/AAAAAAAAI7s/MmsijTd0SKs/s1600/sleepingbobby.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8zWgBaQY3o/UNvFm-ar96I/AAAAAAAAI7s/MmsijTd0SKs/s400/sleepingbobby.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;Took a lot of pictures of my grandmas adorable Chihuahua Bobby.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I didn't take so many pictures this time around, a lot of places I went didn't allow photos including the <a href="http://fidmmuseum.org/">FIDM Museum</a> (sorry Maura) I even tried taking sneaky non-flash pictures but I was denied. I also met a friend of my mom and grandmother who took a liking to me and invited me to a special showing of her museum quality collection of vintage costume jewelry. She fed us lunch and taught us about her collection, it was awesome! But I also couldn't take pictures.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4FlhLd_GeY/UNvFYoy4RXI/AAAAAAAAI6o/8xxR95BEo7U/s1600/SDC17065.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4FlhLd_GeY/UNvFYoy4RXI/AAAAAAAAI6o/8xxR95BEo7U/s400/SDC17065.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We had about 16 people in the condo for the Girls Only Party.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YB4rGmD14pQ/UNvFi2HTbPI/AAAAAAAAI7Y/eo-j_nLfOcM/s1600/girls.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YB4rGmD14pQ/UNvFi2HTbPI/AAAAAAAAI7Y/eo-j_nLfOcM/s400/girls.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Some of the girls. I wore my new Christmas dress to this party which I had actually only finished the night before. Didn't get any really good pictures though, it was kinda dark, but you can see the top in the first picture.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8nRbGprfCNs/UNvFd1ok3vI/AAAAAAAAI7A/BPCDpwo9780/s1600/clairjill.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8nRbGprfCNs/UNvFd1ok3vI/AAAAAAAAI7A/BPCDpwo9780/s400/clairjill.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My cousin Claire and her mom (my aunt) Jill.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wtYX-ZAne44/UNvFfpMIklI/AAAAAAAAI7I/Rv_6oq2I36Q/s1600/display.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wtYX-ZAne44/UNvFfpMIklI/AAAAAAAAI7I/Rv_6oq2I36Q/s400/display.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My mom took me to a sample sale in the basement of the California Mart, this was a display in one the of the store windows. Stunning right?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tmizak6KXzE/UNvFZ52nhnI/AAAAAAAAI6w/JXbt1drKUiw/s1600/blue.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tmizak6KXzE/UNvFZ52nhnI/AAAAAAAAI6w/JXbt1drKUiw/s400/blue.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Also I dyed my hair a really dark blue, it's pretty hard to photograph, I love it so much.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f2la2hy1mA8/UNvFcqHejXI/AAAAAAAAI64/hADrWRW-8S8/s1600/bobsweater.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f2la2hy1mA8/UNvFcqHejXI/AAAAAAAAI64/hADrWRW-8S8/s640/bobsweater.jpg" width="380" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">One more super cute photo of Bobby.</div>Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609012241711941290.post-39293414909408646932012-12-12T04:14:00.000-08:002012-12-12T04:14:00.274-08:00French Meal Daily Wear<div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1_oVjp1Z5sY/UMWn6gDebSI/AAAAAAAAHp8/dcjG859DBKc/s1600/french2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1_oVjp1Z5sY/UMWn6gDebSI/AAAAAAAAHp8/dcjG859DBKc/s640/french2.jpg" width="356" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I didn't get any pictures of my eyeshadow, but it wasn't too exciting, I was wearing a lot of pink so I kept it pretty simple anyway. </div><ul><li>&nbsp;Hat: Vintage</li><li>Scarf: Gift Made by a Friend</li><li>Muff: Self Made</li><li>Pins: Bow was self made, the tea cup platter was a mystery box toy</li><li>Dress: Vintage 70's</li><li>Jacket: <a href="http://www.murmur.ro/about/">MurMur Brand</a></li><li>Shoes: <a href="http://www.coach.com/online/handbags/-shoes-10551-10051-105-en?t1Id=105&amp;t2Id=105&amp;viewType=viewall&amp;spu=0&amp;cid=S_G20899">Coach&nbsp; </a></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FcP6CZWHiGM/UMWn5v4JT3I/AAAAAAAAHp0/RbJtgeaFGTQ/s1600/french1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FcP6CZWHiGM/UMWn5v4JT3I/AAAAAAAAHp0/RbJtgeaFGTQ/s640/french1.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;I remade my muff awhile back, I wanted the strap to be thinner, and then I also put a large pocket inside of it so I wouldn't have to carry around my purse and muff at the same time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NzgG-fml3Ew/UMWn7c7BhOI/AAAAAAAAHqE/TOLzlZWuMtU/s1600/french3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NzgG-fml3Ew/UMWn7c7BhOI/AAAAAAAAHqE/TOLzlZWuMtU/s640/french3.jpg" width="252" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm telling you though <a href="http://megageeksinc.blogspot.com/2012/08/out-of-spite.html">this dress</a> is one of the best buys I've ever made. I can dress up or down it it, it's been great for all seasons, and it's super comfy. I want a truck load of these in all different colors.</div>Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609012241711941290.post-26914759436766736562012-12-10T04:41:00.000-08:002012-12-10T04:41:00.138-08:00Holiday French Meal<div style="text-align: center;">My boss is super awesome, we talk about all sort of things while we work, one of the things he's had in the planning stages for ages was a French small plates meal, we discussed that there should be, and I let him borrow my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/French-Laundry-Cookbook-Thomas-Keller/dp/1579651267">French Laundry Cookbook</a> for inspiration and last weekend he finaly got around to doing it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>First Course </b></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vnlBuWM5_Hk/UMWhDfRmVjI/AAAAAAAAHn8/oGoJUYSFZCo/s1600/1+course.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vnlBuWM5_Hk/UMWhDfRmVjI/AAAAAAAAHn8/oGoJUYSFZCo/s320/1+course.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mushroom, turnip, carrots, and leaks on a bed of pureed potatos and truffle oil.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Second Course</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LEwEQf-q_m0/UMWg7CSpjQI/AAAAAAAAHnM/Fnp1ZjRUDnI/s1600/2+course.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LEwEQf-q_m0/UMWg7CSpjQI/AAAAAAAAHnM/Fnp1ZjRUDnI/s320/2+course.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;French onion soup with crostini and Gruyère cheese.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Third Course</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TgreZe7GW08/UMWg8dQFIyI/AAAAAAAAHnU/7ofaA5Hlvh8/s1600/3+course.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TgreZe7GW08/UMWg8dQFIyI/AAAAAAAAHnU/7ofaA5Hlvh8/s320/3+course.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Pasta with parmersan and goat cheese, snow peas, and toasted pine nuts.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Fourth Course</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qCYKW8Fc9VQ/UMWg-C-RhzI/AAAAAAAAHnc/lHjf4rqIR-w/s1600/4+course.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qCYKW8Fc9VQ/UMWg-C-RhzI/AAAAAAAAHnc/lHjf4rqIR-w/s320/4+course.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Parsley puree with chik'n (vegetarian chicken), on a fried disc of pureed garlic and panko (this was my favorite dish).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Fifth Course</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HqojQ0cYNEk/UMWg_KS5ShI/AAAAAAAAHnk/3k6qLV12Au4/s1600/5+course.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HqojQ0cYNEk/UMWg_KS5ShI/AAAAAAAAHnk/3k6qLV12Au4/s320/5+course.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Lemon sorbet palate cleanser with lime candy and lime slice. The sorbet was store bought, but the candy was homemade.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Sixth Course</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fk9cPDKxl7w/UMWhAVQG23I/AAAAAAAAHns/Wnw7Ink53YA/s1600/6+course.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fk9cPDKxl7w/UMWhAVQG23I/AAAAAAAAHns/Wnw7Ink53YA/s320/6+course.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Ratatouille (really good, much better then it looks).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Seventh Course</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KojlPQsCR5Q/UMWhB0H9PNI/AAAAAAAAHn0/sLXmF26o33U/s1600/7+course.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KojlPQsCR5Q/UMWhB0H9PNI/AAAAAAAAHn0/sLXmF26o33U/s320/7+course.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Vegetarian Salad Nicoise. My boss is a vegetarian just in case you hadn't guessed that yet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Eighth Course</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XjMxFPd9xbg/UMWhFR7ZMNI/AAAAAAAAHoQ/AW6HhzrPoPQ/s1600/8+course.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XjMxFPd9xbg/UMWhFR7ZMNI/AAAAAAAAHoQ/AW6HhzrPoPQ/s320/8+course.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cafe n' Rum Chocolate Mousse with orange liqueur whipped cream. My bosses partner made this course it was super rich I couldn't finish, but I really wanted to.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Ninth Course</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ApwSU-R4Fbo/UMWhHKHwACI/AAAAAAAAHoY/vdR_XH946BM/s1600/9+course.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ApwSU-R4Fbo/UMWhHKHwACI/AAAAAAAAHoY/vdR_XH946BM/s320/9+course.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cheese Platter</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XjMxFPd9xbg/UMWhFR7ZMNI/AAAAAAAAHoQ/AW6HhzrPoPQ/s1600/8+course.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Tenth Course</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-770-JNAj_rw/UMWhEeBXDqI/AAAAAAAAHoE/7X2GJztEvTs/s1600/10+course.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-770-JNAj_rw/UMWhEeBXDqI/AAAAAAAAHoE/7X2GJztEvTs/s320/10+course.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Creme Brulee, my bosses partner also made this in the traditional French way which is a bit runnier then you would normally find, but it was still very good, he used raspberry sugar for the crusts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XjMxFPd9xbg/UMWhFR7ZMNI/AAAAAAAAHoQ/AW6HhzrPoPQ/s1600/8+course.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Digestive</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T-MbJH-hQpo/UMWhIGwaAxI/AAAAAAAAHok/0hOMDlLgaUo/s1600/brandy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T-MbJH-hQpo/UMWhIGwaAxI/AAAAAAAAHok/0hOMDlLgaUo/s320/brandy.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;80 Proof Brandy (burned going down, and then continued to burn for a long while afterwards).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ki98ZRZaAc4/UMWhJLL6fsI/AAAAAAAAHos/Ec-O4denzVM/s1600/coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ki98ZRZaAc4/UMWhJLL6fsI/AAAAAAAAHos/Ec-O4denzVM/s320/coffee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cafe O' Lait (well not yet, I haven't added the warm cream or sugar yet).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The whole meal took about 2.5 hours and then we continued chatting until about midnight before I finally went home, it was sooo good, but I'm sure just exhausting for Ahmad and Jason who spent all day making it. I'm glad I got to be there.</div>Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609012241711941290.post-77194734170615121722012-12-07T04:02:00.000-08:002012-12-07T14:26:58.255-08:00Geek Slappy Madness<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xF2xRM7nqVE/ULwevAcPZvI/AAAAAAAAHkc/F1V1uT5de5s/s1600/fy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xF2xRM7nqVE/ULwevAcPZvI/AAAAAAAAHkc/F1V1uT5de5s/s400/fy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I heard about a geeky craft fair being put on at the <a href="http://jupiterhotel2-px.trvlclick.com/oregon-boutique-hotel-portland-luxury-accommodations-oregon-luxury-hotel-jupiter-hotel-,default-en.html">Jupiter Hotel</a> by the <a href="http://pdxbrowncoats.com/">PDX Browncoats</a> our local Firefly fan club. There was so much awesome geek stuff but most of it was very over priced.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7XB6SnAKe3k/ULwey74ddeI/AAAAAAAAHks/-Ko2tZR-JQ0/s1600/hcfju.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7XB6SnAKe3k/ULwey74ddeI/AAAAAAAAHks/-Ko2tZR-JQ0/s400/hcfju.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shirocosmetics.com/">Shiro Cosmetics</a> was there! Isn't the owner adorable? I got to test out the new holiday glosses Red Ryder smelled the best, but I think Leg Lamp was the better shade. I am definitely buying from her soon!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xn19xurwtqo/ULwfBEijZsI/AAAAAAAAHlw/2S6-MGPB-VE/s1600/tardis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xn19xurwtqo/ULwfBEijZsI/AAAAAAAAHlw/2S6-MGPB-VE/s400/tardis.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Girl dressed like TARDIS, looks comfy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3iL-C-qpTjQ/ULwexMUi8_I/AAAAAAAAHkk/SKcCfVRBN5c/s1600/gun.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3iL-C-qpTjQ/ULwexMUi8_I/AAAAAAAAHkk/SKcCfVRBN5c/s400/gun.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Randall really liked the steampunk stuff, the guns, utility belts, and canes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-44do63Kv-As/ULwe0THLpjI/AAAAAAAAHk0/Z4VLGPuFOrg/s1600/pancake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-44do63Kv-As/ULwe0THLpjI/AAAAAAAAHk0/Z4VLGPuFOrg/s400/pancake.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Afterwards we went to Slappy Cakes for lunch. I had my usual sweet potato pancakes with goat cheese and apples.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XUlek4lBqNk/ULwe16f-pII/AAAAAAAAHk8/btZfvW1zaNw/s1600/randall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XUlek4lBqNk/ULwe16f-pII/AAAAAAAAHk8/btZfvW1zaNw/s320/randall.jpg" width="314" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Randall had toast, hash, eggs over easy, and vegan sausage. He's on this weird doctor recommended diet for a month, it's cut out weird things like soy and citrus.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After lunch we walked down the block to <a href="http://www.moviemadnessvideo.com/">Movie Madness</a> so Randall could see what they had. They have a lot of movie memorbelia including some awesome old costumes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lyXeuHEK0rQ/ULwe6Pt5OFI/AAAAAAAAHlQ/EKPShjOUbOg/s1600/SDC17017.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lyXeuHEK0rQ/ULwe6Pt5OFI/AAAAAAAAHlQ/EKPShjOUbOg/s400/SDC17017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cT4fzl6DKLU/ULwe8YsOrRI/AAAAAAAAHlY/gS5loQyffL8/s1600/SDC17018.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cT4fzl6DKLU/ULwe8YsOrRI/AAAAAAAAHlY/gS5loQyffL8/s400/SDC17018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLNkSeaMLgY/ULwe-WTLKpI/AAAAAAAAHlg/YUQjF-gcdDI/s1600/SDC17019.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLNkSeaMLgY/ULwe-WTLKpI/AAAAAAAAHlg/YUQjF-gcdDI/s400/SDC17019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love the gold dress in the above photo, from a 60's version of Grimm Fairy Tales. It's super tiny though, I could never fit in it, the actress must have been 12.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-phS5C83721w/ULwfChtzFRI/AAAAAAAAHmE/OLE0ytM3WSU/s1600/zues.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-phS5C83721w/ULwfChtzFRI/AAAAAAAAHmE/OLE0ytM3WSU/s400/zues.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-7-BWzJYbU/ULwe_bMJhAI/AAAAAAAAHlo/XDyuQ6SCrjM/s1600/space+cow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-7-BWzJYbU/ULwe_bMJhAI/AAAAAAAAHlo/XDyuQ6SCrjM/s400/space+cow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X8_75qF00_E/ULwfB-6-AKI/AAAAAAAAHl4/XDtRXXceMWw/s1600/verdant+wisp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X8_75qF00_E/ULwfB-6-AKI/AAAAAAAAHl4/XDtRXXceMWw/s400/verdant+wisp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Eyeshadow was Aromaleighs Zues and Verdant Wisp, and Femme Fatales Space Cow.</div>Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609012241711941290.post-47013320174866356922012-12-05T04:29:00.000-08:002012-12-05T04:29:02.112-08:00Candy Cane Rhythm <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_kDlH_QAEqE/ULwPGSozg-I/AAAAAAAAHjA/mWpijOA8EW4/s1600/dress.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_kDlH_QAEqE/ULwPGSozg-I/AAAAAAAAHjA/mWpijOA8EW4/s640/dress.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I made this dress to use as a nightgown, but I thought it was so cute and if I just wore it as PJ's no one would be able to appreciate it, I couldn't let that happen! So I wore it for International Lolita Day it's more Otome then Lolita but I didn't much feel like wearing a cupcake petticoat just to do some Christmas shopping. </div><ul><li>Hat: Vintage</li><li>Necklace: Handmade by mom</li><li>Blouse: NikiBiki Brand</li><li>Dress: Handmade by me</li><li>Belt: Swap Meet</li><li>Rose Clip: LA Fashion District</li><li>Tights: Capezio </li><li>Shoes: An*Tai*Na</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TZ-2w48-fqQ/ULwPHaKG8dI/AAAAAAAAHjI/Bcjg_jlnfwE/s1600/dress2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TZ-2w48-fqQ/ULwPHaKG8dI/AAAAAAAAHjI/Bcjg_jlnfwE/s640/dress2.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">What do you think of the fro? I was so happy with my giant hair I wish I could do it more often but it's not always comfortable sleeping on foam rollers. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">On my way out I threw on a scarf and gloves and I was quite warm for the day. And while shopping at Value Village a cute girl in an awesome jacket snapped my picture and gave me the link to her vintage clothing blog <a href="http://www.vixen-vintage.com/">Vixen Vintage</a>. It's a fabulous read with tons of pretty pictures so I definitely recommend it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sd2WcwOXNE0/ULwPIwsbUwI/AAAAAAAAHjQ/_3n_lcRZ_q4/s1600/face.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sd2WcwOXNE0/ULwPIwsbUwI/AAAAAAAAHjQ/_3n_lcRZ_q4/s400/face.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I wanted to wear my new Strawberry Shimmer lipgloss from Morgana Cryptoria so I kept my makeup fairly simple. Just Aromaleigh Corset blush and Meow eyeshadow.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8e7I6WwsRAo/ULwPJkz-ZqI/AAAAAAAAHjY/DdO2gYH-fno/s1600/honey.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8e7I6WwsRAo/ULwPJkz-ZqI/AAAAAAAAHjY/DdO2gYH-fno/s400/honey.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Eyeshadows are Meows Santa Honey, Bliss, and Levitation.</div>Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609012241711941290.post-58357677545972776222012-12-03T04:03:00.000-08:002012-12-03T04:03:00.282-08:00Morgana Cryptoria Swatches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ww6_mOBWmLE/ULhbPRRU0vI/AAAAAAAAHh8/vWArSXYVAgc/s1600/tubes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ww6_mOBWmLE/ULhbPRRU0vI/AAAAAAAAHh8/vWArSXYVAgc/s400/tubes.jpg" width="357" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I picked these up during the Halloween sale on October 20th. They finally got here, but I wasn't too worried about it since I know this store is reputable and they warned their customers ahead of time that it might take until late November.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S0HgPRZdyEA/ULhbMg88gBI/AAAAAAAAHhs/dhC1d2EZLcg/s1600/dark.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S0HgPRZdyEA/ULhbMg88gBI/AAAAAAAAHhs/dhC1d2EZLcg/s400/dark.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Swatched from left to right</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Licorice:</b> A matte black, takes a few swipes to become opaque, but it feels nice.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Lady Grey:</b> Matte gray, it's sadly darker then I'd hoped and looks purple toned on my lips.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Strawberry Shimmer:</b> A bright red gloss with red shimmer applies sheer but can be built up to opacity.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Cotton Candy:</b> Semi-sheer cotton candy pink with a heavy blue shimmer.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Twist of Fate:</b> A lovely coppery champagne shade, perfect for any occassion.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L4wpyc4NkWM/ULhbNzQhkKI/AAAAAAAAHh0/q2ZEbqEntbY/s1600/light.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L4wpyc4NkWM/ULhbNzQhkKI/AAAAAAAAHh0/q2ZEbqEntbY/s400/light.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">All of these apply well, and last a good amount of time, and feel great on. In short as awesome as I normally expect form Morgana Cryptoria. I really adore the strawberry gloss, it's a great color and has a subtle strawberry scent that's not too overwhelming. Though Twist of Fate is less "migratory" and goes with most things.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I bought the black only because I figured one day I'd wished I picked up one. And though I was disappointed with the gray it's not MCs fault my lips are red enough that it looks purple.</div>Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609012241711941290.post-42989553472160170742012-11-30T04:08:00.000-08:002012-11-30T04:08:00.659-08:00Christmas Dress Progress<div style="text-align: center;">I didn't make a Halloween costume so I've been working really hard on my Christmas dress this year, I've had this idea in my head for several years now, ever since I picked up this Re-Ment Mystery Box.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XsEFwiSwtq4/ULCfFlyjXoI/AAAAAAAAHgE/lwCMxXUZANA/s1600/re-ment-fairy-tale-sweets-no-8-spider-web-christmas-candies%7E7317594.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XsEFwiSwtq4/ULCfFlyjXoI/AAAAAAAAHgE/lwCMxXUZANA/s400/re-ment-fairy-tale-sweets-no-8-spider-web-christmas-candies%7E7317594.jpg" width="396" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;I adore these spiderwebs, they are just so sweet. I immediately started thinking of ways to incorporate the design into lolita. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FTxPj7wW7rU/ULCfEy8sFlI/AAAAAAAAHf8/eCq3KFcg0dw/s1600/first.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FTxPj7wW7rU/ULCfEy8sFlI/AAAAAAAAHf8/eCq3KFcg0dw/s640/first.jpg" width="331" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;This was the first design I came up with, it's a simple skirt, there's also a bow in the back but other then the applique it's fairly straight forward.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtKziKqFfTw/ULCfG8bWx2I/AAAAAAAAHgM/N5C5TWRdu3A/s1600/second.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtKziKqFfTw/ULCfG8bWx2I/AAAAAAAAHgM/N5C5TWRdu3A/s640/second.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;This is my second design that I did a few years later, I still like it even if it's not what I ended up choosing in the end. The skirt is a JSK, there's more detail with several bows, scalloped edges, and plenty of lace.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A6UIIJSj8I4/ULCfJaQI7tI/AAAAAAAAHgc/Mq6BxL67z_I/s1600/thirds.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A6UIIJSj8I4/ULCfJaQI7tI/AAAAAAAAHgc/Mq6BxL67z_I/s400/thirds.jpg" width="358" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;As you can see I've gotten lazier with designs over the years, I don't even bother to draw the person anymore. I've incorporated elements from both earlier designs, it's an under-bust JSK, it keeps a few of the bows in the front like the second design and has a bow in the back like the second. I've also toned down the lace a bit.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0VfTfAIX1RQ/ULCfBCB8qBI/AAAAAAAAHfk/rHT0HyMBinI/s1600/SDC16827.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0VfTfAIX1RQ/ULCfBCB8qBI/AAAAAAAAHfk/rHT0HyMBinI/s320/SDC16827.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;The fabric is a pale pink silk/cotton blend, it's really soft. I don't usually enjoy shiny, but this is not too reflective. I used some batting in the bows to make them cute and puffy. My boss was nice enough to let me use his sewing machines and give me a few pointers.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N2swWwDe2Yw/ULCfDSA-vVI/AAAAAAAAHfs/vrTwBuFeWeA/s1600/SDC16829.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N2swWwDe2Yw/ULCfDSA-vVI/AAAAAAAAHfs/vrTwBuFeWeA/s400/SDC16829.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;He showed me how to sew a seamless strap. AWESOME!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z0Ka3Kvq0So/ULCfKGCdFaI/AAAAAAAAHgk/mB0I4JgT2i8/s1600/web.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z0Ka3Kvq0So/ULCfKGCdFaI/AAAAAAAAHgk/mB0I4JgT2i8/s400/web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Drawing of the big web</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1f-_CsPFmo/ULCfH5iF4oI/AAAAAAAAHgU/gBoSKMOnmwE/s1600/teaser.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f1f-_CsPFmo/ULCfH5iF4oI/AAAAAAAAHgU/gBoSKMOnmwE/s400/teaser.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;The applique so far, it was a lot of work and I was terrified of doing irreparable damage to the dress. I am so in love with the spider, look at her cute legs!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YkOUJ24HBYE/ULCfEY2zFgI/AAAAAAAAHf0/VVsLZWagY-E/s1600/c_08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YkOUJ24HBYE/ULCfEY2zFgI/AAAAAAAAHf0/VVsLZWagY-E/s400/c_08.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The spiders story from the Mystery Box.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I plan on wearing the glitter shoes you all saw from an earlier post with it. Stay tuned for pictures of the finished product. </div>Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609012241711941290.post-35198946237717632032012-11-28T04:29:00.000-08:002012-11-28T04:29:02.471-08:00Thanksgiving 2012<div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ku_SMASHBw8/ULBeeua8t9I/AAAAAAAAHeM/vxk26Bj8BJ0/s1600/fam.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ku_SMASHBw8/ULBeeua8t9I/AAAAAAAAHeM/vxk26Bj8BJ0/s400/fam.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We never have a venue large enough to fit our whole family so above are two pictures of parts of my family and in the one of the right you can see the rest of them sitting at a table in another room. It was held at my Aunt Debbie and Uncle Dougs house which has the advantage of excellent parking.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUsTp63FBYk/ULBeaN5161I/AAAAAAAAHds/Jm8HbgwBp3o/s1600/snacks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUsTp63FBYk/ULBeaN5161I/AAAAAAAAHds/Jm8HbgwBp3o/s400/snacks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The snack table.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQvZ_0lITgU/ULBecKYlvaI/AAAAAAAAHd0/yZMTg_pjH9Y/s1600/turkey.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQvZ_0lITgU/ULBecKYlvaI/AAAAAAAAHd0/yZMTg_pjH9Y/s400/turkey.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Aunt Debbie made a veggi turkey, inspired!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Tcbi7UWAUM/ULBeg5aq9nI/AAAAAAAAHeU/wTxd0BsZEIA/s1600/chipek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Tcbi7UWAUM/ULBeg5aq9nI/AAAAAAAAHeU/wTxd0BsZEIA/s400/chipek.jpg" width="332" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I played with Aunt Debbies darling new dog, her name is Ruby and she's part Chihuahua part Pekingese. She's very sweet and after carrying Gawain around all the time she was light as a feather.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-icaHDiWIR64/ULBeeHYLH2I/AAAAAAAAHeE/dl8y-wZpC2w/s1600/dress2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-icaHDiWIR64/ULBeeHYLH2I/AAAAAAAAHeE/dl8y-wZpC2w/s640/dress2.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My Thanksgiving outfit.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Blouse: Forever 21</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dress: Handmade</div><div style="text-align: center;">Skirt: Handmade</div><div style="text-align: center;">Socks: Sock Dreams</div><div style="text-align: center;">Shoes: Bamboo Brand</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DKhOrygXyCY/ULBedLGAIwI/AAAAAAAAHd8/PK8SOCs8F0g/s1600/dress1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DKhOrygXyCY/ULBedLGAIwI/AAAAAAAAHd8/PK8SOCs8F0g/s640/dress1.jpg" width="342" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cute right? And other then the petticoat it's pretty simple and comfy.</div>Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609012241711941290.post-64172757183705696602012-11-26T04:31:00.000-08:002012-11-29T23:05:14.080-08:00DIY Sparkle Shoes<div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fgjSogGpzJY/UK2w3wwuw4I/AAAAAAAAHcg/WCTxF2czzaw/s1600/feet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fgjSogGpzJY/UK2w3wwuw4I/AAAAAAAAHcg/WCTxF2czzaw/s400/feet.jpg" width="301" /></a><br />There are a ton of tutorials bouncing around for this. One of the easiest involved mixing the glue and the glitter together before painting it on the shoe, it is quite quick and reduced fallout but I don't like this for several reasons 1: the glue creates a barrier between light and the glitter so it doesn't sparkle as much. 2: it's kind of a waste of both products.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Usually these tutorials use Mod Podge which makes sense because it dries clear, sticks to most materials, and is flexible when dry. I did not have Mod Podge but I did have a big tub of Elmers Glue, I don't know how well it might work on vinyl fabric, but I used it on some satin shoes and it seemed to work very well. These shoes were in desperate need of a makeover, I used them in a photoshoot at a graveyard and they didn't survive intact.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I2H5J5r3pBQ/UKycm5VKcmI/AAAAAAAAHbM/DmNQyvE0iCk/s1600/ingred.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I2H5J5r3pBQ/UKycm5VKcmI/AAAAAAAAHbM/DmNQyvE0iCk/s400/ingred.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>What You'll Need</b></u></div><ul style="text-align: center;"><li style="text-align: left;">Elmers Glue&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </li><li style="text-align: left;">Spray-able Fixative (spray glue) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </li><li style="text-align: left;">Glitter &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </li><li style="text-align: left;">2 Trays &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </li><li style="text-align: left;">Plastic Bags &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </li><li style="text-align: left;">Scotch Tape (Optional)</li><li style="text-align: left;">Blow Dryer (Optional)&nbsp; </li></ul><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ljrNJ-8cUAE/UKycoMTbVyI/AAAAAAAAHbU/KnyAwDYyPx8/s1600/plain.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ljrNJ-8cUAE/UKycoMTbVyI/AAAAAAAAHbU/KnyAwDYyPx8/s640/plain.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Directions couldn't be more simple, I used the tape to cover the buckles, you could also use it to make sure nothing get's on the outer soles or wherever you don't want glitter. Place plastic bags inside shoes to avoid getting too much glitter inside where it WILL stick and coat your socks in glitter.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XgUvrSjki5E/UKycpOxsoAI/AAAAAAAAHbc/bITB9U9uAzQ/s1600/tape.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XgUvrSjki5E/UKycpOxsoAI/AAAAAAAAHbc/bITB9U9uAzQ/s320/tape.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Paint a section of the shoe at a time and dust on the glitter over one of the trays, completely covering the section and wait for it to dry. If your impatient like me you can use the blow dryer on low (if it's too hot sometimes the glue can bubble). Once dry tap shoe over the first tray to remove excess glitter. Move onto the next section only this time place the shoe on tray two and tap the glitter from tray one over the glue covered section. Continue until shoe is completely covered doing touch ups as needed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XJ4UyPZ5TUc/UKycldJdYBI/AAAAAAAAHbE/Uwy5Rzq5tHo/s1600/glitter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XJ4UyPZ5TUc/UKycldJdYBI/AAAAAAAAHbE/Uwy5Rzq5tHo/s400/glitter.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once completely dry, take shoes to a well ventilated area and cover them with the spray-able fixative paying special attention to areas that get the most wear and tear like the strap or around the bottom near the soles.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XGG4Nwfxhs4/UK2w5Rdag0I/AAAAAAAAHco/huXb8LioU4I/s1600/gawain.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XGG4Nwfxhs4/UK2w5Rdag0I/AAAAAAAAHco/huXb8LioU4I/s400/gawain.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XGG4Nwfxhs4/UK2w5Rdag0I/AAAAAAAAHco/huXb8LioU4I/s1600/gawain.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">As you can see Gawain is indifferent to them, preferring to lick himself instead of stare at them adoringly like me. I'm planning on wearing these with my Christmas dress which is still in the works so look forward to that at a later date.</div>Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609012241711941290.post-20556166299304007372012-11-23T04:48:00.000-08:002012-11-29T23:06:57.973-08:00Christmas Wish List 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AfSOeCBSzO0/UKhLLRt-TfI/AAAAAAAAHYE/Hy6Rztnrxac/s1600/pink-christmas-via-sensationalcolor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AfSOeCBSzO0/UKhLLRt-TfI/AAAAAAAAHYE/Hy6Rztnrxac/s400/pink-christmas-via-sensationalcolor.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Time for my annual wish list. This years list was really difficult, not because there's nothing I don't want but because I don't really want anything extraordinary or exciting this year. I've pretty much given up on the idea of a Lolita coat, I still want one but it's not as important to me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dCQIQjU2gGU/UKhF7U6UbgI/AAAAAAAAHXM/O5utOgeD088/s1600/1-tin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dCQIQjU2gGU/UKhF7U6UbgI/AAAAAAAAHXM/O5utOgeD088/s400/1-tin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://teatimetoffee.com/cart/toffee-c-5.html">Tea Time Toffee</a>: This is seriously the best toffee ever. They were at last year's Chocolate Festival, but Brenna and I forgot to buy a bag. We're going in on a 5lb package in 2013.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xnyg6hz2sSA/UKhF77WTX3I/AAAAAAAAHXQ/uXESQazoZA8/s1600/1148767-p-MULTIVIEW.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xnyg6hz2sSA/UKhF77WTX3I/AAAAAAAAHXQ/uXESQazoZA8/s320/1148767-p-MULTIVIEW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Melissa Anglomania Shoes: I'm desperate for these. I would have preferred them in red but they're almost impossible to find these days.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5k6Aq80rQik/UKhHBvcRP2I/AAAAAAAAHXc/WAyohYdASI0/s1600/cyscups1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5k6Aq80rQik/UKhHBvcRP2I/AAAAAAAAHXc/WAyohYdASI0/s1600/cyscups1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cleanseyoursoul.com/store/WsDefault.asp?Cat=TartWarmerMelts">Cleanse Your Soul Tart Warmer Melts</a>: Cleanse Your Soul is so freaking amazing anyway with their 1000+ scent list. I'm really fond of the tarts, especialy since for whatever reason the hallway right outside my door sucks in any smell in the house, including the really bad ones. Tart melts help.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kExmV9I5Yx8/UKhIs92AXSI/AAAAAAAAHXs/ONGWR87OQBA/s1600/moonless-firebird-repeat_shop_preview.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kExmV9I5Yx8/UKhIs92AXSI/AAAAAAAAHXs/ONGWR87OQBA/s400/moonless-firebird-repeat_shop_preview.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/484092">Spoonflower Firebird Repeat</a>: I adore ceanirmingers work, I'd love to make a dress out of this fabric. I would need about 4 yards, and an extra yard of his matching stars only fabric.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMKOhOcF9Ew/UKhJ8z2W0BI/AAAAAAAAHX0/KcWLIRiZdYk/s1600/expedit-shelving-unit__0092718_PE229441_S4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMKOhOcF9Ew/UKhJ8z2W0BI/AAAAAAAAHX0/KcWLIRiZdYk/s400/expedit-shelving-unit__0092718_PE229441_S4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40047675/#">Expidit Shelving Unit from Ikea</a>: This would make organization so much easier on me. Plus more room for sewing supplies which would be awesome because I'm hoping to stock up soon.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MHEFKHCD5l4/UKr30-UJjmI/AAAAAAAAHZE/IQaygvnUBaU/s1600/frosting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MHEFKHCD5l4/UKr30-UJjmI/AAAAAAAAHZE/IQaygvnUBaU/s320/frosting.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cute Soft Pajama Pants: I'm a big fan of cute, loose, comfy PJs like these <a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&amp;Category=sleepwear_womens-pajama&amp;ProductID=2030187013&amp;VariantID=">Eiffel Tower </a>ones from Forever 21. Also <a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&amp;Category=sleepwear_womens-pajama&amp;ProductID=2030187030&amp;VariantID=">this</a>, <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/pj-salvage-print-flannel-pajamas/3328935?origin=category&amp;BaseUrl=Sleep+%26+Loungewear">these</a>, and oh<a href="http://www.victoriassecret.com/sleepwear/pajamas/the-dreamer-flannel-pajama?ProductID=69097&amp;CatalogueType=OLS"> this one</a> too. No fleece obviously because it's gross and tacky.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oj9Ux6RUDqg/UKr9jcDwSGI/AAAAAAAAHaE/5n-Kr0eWUpA/s1600/whitetree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oj9Ux6RUDqg/UKr9jcDwSGI/AAAAAAAAHaE/5n-Kr0eWUpA/s320/whitetree.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">White Christmas Tree: I want a white tree, I would cover it in pastel lights and candy themed ornaments that I made myself and it would be so pretty. I want it to be 3.5-4ft which would be the perfect size for my room.</div><br /><b>The Usual:</b><br /><ul><li>Makeup Samples from Indy Companies</li><li>Awesome Candies</li><li>Socks and Tights</li><li>Glass Topped Sewing Pins</li><li>Loose Leaf Teas</li><li>Lolita Accessories </li></ul>Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609012241711941290.post-71102416412706826262012-11-21T04:05:00.000-08:002012-11-21T15:23:18.850-08:00Peppermint Awesome<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F3Wf9ps-b-M/UKbHK36fTcI/AAAAAAAAHWM/WEx86n5sorQ/s1600/mint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F3Wf9ps-b-M/UKbHK36fTcI/AAAAAAAAHWM/WEx86n5sorQ/s400/mint.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite things about the holidays is the easy availability of all thing candy cane. I love peppermint flavor, and red and white stripes. Here's a list of some of my favorite candy cane items.</div><ul><li>Pepermint Roca: I discovered these last christmas, they're amazing, dark chocolate mixed with buttery toffee, and spicy peppermint. They are so good.</li><li><a href="http://www.adagio.com/holidays/candy_cane.html">Adagio Candy Cane Tea</a>: I bought a bunch of this last year so I could have peppermint tea whenever I wanted.</li><li>Peppermint Ice Cream: One of the best things about this is that it's freaking pink! But it tastes delicious and creamy. The one they have at Baskin Robbins is my favorite.</li><li><a href="http://monthsofediblecelebrations.blogspot.com/2009/12/its-candy-cane-day.html">Candy Cane Cookies</a>: My Grandma S used to make these, they're filled with this creamy gooey peppermint&nbsp; stuff. Also covered in peppermint.</li><li><a href="http://www.hammondscandies.com/candy-types/candy-canes?Page=2&amp;Items=16">Hammonds Candy Canes</a>: I'm not a big fan of candy canes in flavors other then peppermint, but they're cute and I love the natural mint and natural butterscotch.</li></ul>Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609012241711941290.post-62850167447366891772012-11-19T04:09:00.000-08:002012-11-29T23:05:37.560-08:00Etsy: Mannaia Fragrances<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vZN3CUaJSh8/UKbEGvZb8tI/AAAAAAAAHVE/S2Z-0eS_Aus/s1600/fragrance.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vZN3CUaJSh8/UKbEGvZb8tI/AAAAAAAAHVE/S2Z-0eS_Aus/s400/fragrance.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love geek inspired things, particularly when it's something like makeup or perfume. How someone else interprets something that I, and obviously they love is fascinating to me. Sometimes I agree with their interpretations sometimes I don't but it's like a new discovery each time and tells me a little bit about what that person thinks.<br /><br />&nbsp;<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4cHh3AN33Pg/UKbEIG3U7DI/AAAAAAAAHVM/OnxZw-waUXw/s1600/bags.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4cHh3AN33Pg/UKbEIG3U7DI/AAAAAAAAHVM/OnxZw-waUXw/s400/bags.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Products were well packaged, the little glass vials were placed in bubble wrap and I was sent a sample from <a href="http://www.detrivorecosmetics.com/">Detrivore Cosmetics</a>.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I bought six perfume samples in from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/carmilla8">Mannaia Fragrances</a>.</div><br /><b>Dark Passenger:</b> A clean tropical scent with notes of orange, ocean water, nectarine, blood orange, banana, coconut, and a splash of shaving cream.<br /><b>My Take:</b> It's good, it triggers a scent memory in me of shampoo, that's probably the ocean water and the shaving cream coming through making it smell a bit soapy, but the fruit scents blend beautifully.<br />&nbsp;<b><br />Three Pipe Problem:</b> Notes of cherry pipe tobacco and smoke, with hints of black tea and black currant.<br /><b>My Take:</b> This description is pretty accurate. At first it smells a bit fruity but after a few seconds you start to notice a sort of smokey woody quality to it.<br /><br /><b>Bad Wolf: </b>Notes of tea, scones, honey, strawberry jam, and clotted cream.<br /><b>My Take:</b> There's a strange rich scent to this that I think must be the clotted cream mixed with the scones and that's what you smell the most. Far below it I can sniff out the tea and honey but I can't smell the jam. It's a different sort of scent not for everyone.<br /><br /><b>Black Lodge:</b> Notes of cherry pie and a damn fine cup of black coffee<br /><b>My Take:</b> Yup that's what it smells like. The coffee mellows out once applied but it pretty much smells like eating a cherry pie in a cafe. If that's a scent you enjoy you're gonna like this one.<br /><br /><b>Petrichor:</b> The smell of dust after rain.<br /><b>My Take:</b> I knew this one was a long shot for me, for those not in the know petrichor is not actualy the smell of dust after it rains, it's the smell of oil plants extrude after it's been hot for awhile. When it rains this oil reacts with the water to make the scent of petrichor. It's long been one of my favorite things but it's was kind of wishful thinking to believe something could capture it in a perfume. I will say that this scent does smell like dust and clean soap.<br /><br /><b>Black Christmas:</b> Apple pie, cinnamon, sugar, pine, clove, and pumpkin<br /><b>&nbsp;My Take:</b> There's a lot going on in this scent, it smells like Christmas attacked a spice factory, threw the building into a bakery, planted it's flag, and said "fuck subtle". The major top note is cinnamon, below that is the pine, and then the apple pie, pumpkin, sugar, and clove all sort of mix in at the bottom.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">So I like most of these, some of them are not to my taste but that's okay cause not everything is going to be. They last a long ass time, I even tried to wash them off but they are still there, so long lasting is a pretty good label.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ri7QZk1GByc/UJzRQ2G-JvI/AAAAAAAAHUE/YXj2jr7Xp40/s1600/f.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ri7QZk1GByc/UJzRQ2G-JvI/AAAAAAAAHUE/YXj2jr7Xp40/s400/f.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Etsy Conversation</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWSfLOT15w4/UJzRPYo9FBI/AAAAAAAAHT8/yES--mMFa88/s1600/shipped.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWSfLOT15w4/UJzRPYo9FBI/AAAAAAAAHT8/yES--mMFa88/s400/shipped.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp; Shipping details </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My problem is not the products it's with the store itself, let's look at the timeline here...</div><ul><li>&nbsp;I bought these on October 16th.&nbsp;</li><li>On October 21st I was sent am email with a tracking number and I waited patiently for for my package in the mail because Milwaukie OR is about half an hour from where I live so I knew it shouldn't take long.</li><li>After several days of waiting for movement on tracking I sent an etsy convo on October 29th to the shop owner because I was afraid maybe my package had been lost.</li><li>On November 1st she get's back to me to let me know she will send that Friday November 2nd.</li><li>After another several days of waiting I sent another etsy convo on November 7th asking if she'd really sent it on Friday because if she had there would have been movement on the package after 6 days.&nbsp;</li><li>I never got a reply back, but on November 7th the package was finally sent to me and it arrived in my mailbox the next day.</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;I don't mind long waits on packages so long as the seller has let me know before time, in the shop policies it mentions it could take up to a week for packages to get sent in the mail, I waited 13 days almost 2 weeks before I finally convo-ed her about what was going on. When she told me "I'll ship it tomorrow" I'm thinking "okay, yeah that's fine. I can be happy with that." But she didn't, and I don't know the circumstances maybe she forgot, got tired, was too late getting to the post office, doesn't matter. She didn't send it for the next couple of days either, nor did she message me to let me know any of what was going on so all I can conclude is that she just straight up lied to shut me up.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Honesty and communication are very important to me, I've had a few online sellers string me along over the years and that's exactly what this felt like. I won't be buying from this shop again, I liked what I eventually got so I do invite you to give the company a chance if you find a scent you can't live without but I will be looking elsewhere.</div>Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609012241711941290.post-92015632430800054672012-11-14T04:32:00.000-08:002012-11-14T04:32:00.187-08:00The Ugly Christmas Sweater <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lLl4rXKLIfo/UJxS8Oy6-yI/AAAAAAAAHSk/tMtBTcgRt50/s1600/l.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lLl4rXKLIfo/UJxS8Oy6-yI/AAAAAAAAHSk/tMtBTcgRt50/s400/l.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">So I was thrifting through some sweaters the other day. My local Value Village already has a whole rack of Christmas ones waiting to get picked over for Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties. I don't know how popular those are in other states, but it seems like there's a different one to go to every other night in Portland during the holidays.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tw_fR4uTqXY/UJxS9o2RGrI/AAAAAAAAHS0/WXyLOj4D5Ew/s1600/fdrgh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tw_fR4uTqXY/UJxS9o2RGrI/AAAAAAAAHS0/WXyLOj4D5Ew/s400/fdrgh.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">As I was sifting through the options I realized the more "promising" looking sweaters were all from a company called Tiara International. These sweaters sell for around 50$ new, mostly because there is a ton of just crazy (horrid/laughable) detail put into them. I mean the one right above this paragraph has working lights! That's so not okay! Who buys that un-ironicaly?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S9L35nip_Ag/UJxS84-OPwI/AAAAAAAAHSs/ongEl5HIBtk/s1600/209857-M50024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S9L35nip_Ag/UJxS84-OPwI/AAAAAAAAHSs/ongEl5HIBtk/s400/209857-M50024.jpg" width="300" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">If by chance you're out looking for a Christmas sweater, consider the ugliest of the ugly of Tiara International, and maybe go shopping for it now, once we hit December there will be slim pickings and you might have to settle for something less then 100% crazy. That'd be a shame wouldn't it?</div>Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609012241711941290.post-19501374425359628062012-11-12T04:33:00.000-08:002012-11-12T04:33:00.528-08:00Binary Solo<div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hkXIEGqVs4w/UJrlDBU6nnI/AAAAAAAAHRQ/2j8UPptedqY/s1600/firebloom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hkXIEGqVs4w/UJrlDBU6nnI/AAAAAAAAHRQ/2j8UPptedqY/s400/firebloom.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wore this look to where I volunteer locally once a week, mostly though I just felt like wearing some eyeshadow. On my cheeks I'm wearing Femme Fatals Fire Bloom blush, and Morgana Cryptorias Quark lip balm.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7iRgS1rCiuc/UJrlAuv_gDI/AAAAAAAAHRA/PPetM7ucFSo/s1600/space+cow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7iRgS1rCiuc/UJrlAuv_gDI/AAAAAAAAHRA/PPetM7ucFSo/s400/space+cow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">On the inner corner is Aromleighs Binary, and under the lower waterline Femme Fatals Phantasm.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mBV6PTYoNBs/UJrlBjbRzFI/AAAAAAAAHRI/fM3LZKsN9Ro/s1600/phantasm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mBV6PTYoNBs/UJrlBjbRzFI/AAAAAAAAHRI/fM3LZKsN9Ro/s400/phantasm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">On the lid is more Binary, with Femme Fatals Space Cow and arching above FF Haunt with more Phantasm on the brow bone.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--9TXmeZCXQU/UJrlDzpHflI/AAAAAAAAHRY/Me2nrQ7UiHQ/s1600/binary.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--9TXmeZCXQU/UJrlDzpHflI/AAAAAAAAHRY/Me2nrQ7UiHQ/s400/binary.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I probably should have blended Haunt in a bit more but all in all it was a nice look and a good color combo.</div>Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609012241711941290.post-85051201567261997712012-11-09T04:45:00.000-08:002012-11-09T04:45:00.651-08:00Tee Fury: Be Excellent To Each Other<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KBSyw1uJPDI/UJmuGveW-5I/AAAAAAAAHQA/Fxvlsc0F8w0/s1600/1349129322_left_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KBSyw1uJPDI/UJmuGveW-5I/AAAAAAAAHQA/Fxvlsc0F8w0/s400/1349129322_left_d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Okay, I love Bill and Ted! It's this really great feel good movie that totally warps history and could not possible have been made today. Thank goodness it got made at some point so we can all enjoy the magical journey of two idiots who somehow become the most important people in the universe. It has George Carlin, the best acting Keanu Reeves has ever done, and some of the most memorable one liners ever. I really, REALLY wanted this t-shirt!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BIUiihW8Ylw/UJmuCdmm3aI/AAAAAAAAHPg/mBnvebZZE5E/s1600/tee.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BIUiihW8Ylw/UJmuCdmm3aI/AAAAAAAAHPg/mBnvebZZE5E/s400/tee.jpg" width="335" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BIUiihW8Ylw/UJmuCdmm3aI/AAAAAAAAHPg/mBnvebZZE5E/s1600/tee.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Shipping was about the same as last time, the shirt is very soft and not too thick, not too thin. I bought a medium, it's long, and fits very well. Unfortunately there are a few problems with the print.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BIUiihW8Ylw/UJmuCdmm3aI/AAAAAAAAHPg/mBnvebZZE5E/s1600/tee.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N8ZhoXk5aPE/UJmuDzkMRPI/AAAAAAAAHPo/KpI8vuaoxQQ/s1600/mistake1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N8ZhoXk5aPE/UJmuDzkMRPI/AAAAAAAAHPo/KpI8vuaoxQQ/s400/mistake1.jpg" width="376" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The first thing I notices what this weird blue "pimple" on Bills forehead.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXYKwfccaTM/UJmuFDXXNJI/AAAAAAAAHPw/a4xjDuSvi9g/s1600/mistake2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXYKwfccaTM/UJmuFDXXNJI/AAAAAAAAHPw/a4xjDuSvi9g/s320/mistake2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then this smudge on the side of Teds face.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There are a few other notable smudges in the Stallyns name. I'm really kinda disappointed since the <a href="http://megageeksinc.blogspot.com/2012/10/teefury-halfling-feet.html">Halfling Feet</a> shirt came out so well, but I suppose there was less to get messed up. I don't want to return the shirt because I don't think they'll send me another one of the same, but I don't know if I can continue to recommend <a href="http://www.teefury.com/">Tee Fury</a> now. It's kinda a major bummer.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BIUiihW8Ylw/UJmuCdmm3aI/AAAAAAAAHPg/mBnvebZZE5E/s1600/tee.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47HUJrIyOVM/UJmuF-vCqBI/AAAAAAAAHP4/NQt-B_bzsgI/s1600/full.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47HUJrIyOVM/UJmuF-vCqBI/AAAAAAAAHP4/NQt-B_bzsgI/s640/full.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Okay, I'm glad I have my Bill and Ted shirt, the print itself is really cute even with it's flaws. Here, I'll cheer myself up with one of my favorite scenes. This is what I think every time I pass a Circle K.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1DsFMJQHbMs" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609012241711941290.post-90961298492732944852012-11-07T04:21:00.000-08:002012-11-07T04:21:00.581-08:00I Was Different<div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i38Vjc5t0-A/UJmp0G0lgsI/AAAAAAAAHOU/whvEgEDl1CQ/s1600/brazen+gloss.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i38Vjc5t0-A/UJmp0G0lgsI/AAAAAAAAHOU/whvEgEDl1CQ/s400/brazen+gloss.jpg" width="335" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I felt like I needed to wear some green eyeshadow, I have a lot of interesting greens and now that it's fall I feel like I can use them in better correlation with the weather. On my face I've used Aromaleighs Peaches n' Cream finishing powder, Meows Firecracker blush, and Brazens Breathless lipgloss.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MejROOpIjP4/UJmp2dmynyI/AAAAAAAAHOk/KCMTKKdOKOY/s1600/glowing+luna+balderdash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MejROOpIjP4/UJmp2dmynyI/AAAAAAAAHOk/KCMTKKdOKOY/s400/glowing+luna+balderdash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Usually I pair greens with gold but I thought all different shades of green would be something different for me. I used Meow Telepathy on the inner corner, then under the waterline is Aromaleighs Glowing Luna, and then Meows Balderdash.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LHS2_4bgtF4/UJmp1fFO19I/AAAAAAAAHOc/YZ5R0tCV_OY/s1600/comet+telepathy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LHS2_4bgtF4/UJmp1fFO19I/AAAAAAAAHOc/YZ5R0tCV_OY/s400/comet+telepathy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I used more Glowing Luna on the lid followed by Meows Comet. There's more Telepathy on the brow bone, and more Balderdash on the outer corner.</div><br />Arikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06429783477178876032noreply@blogger.com0